Base-ball-game apparatus.



R. WILLIAMS.

BASE BALL GAME APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED AUG.30,1913.

Patented Dec. 8, 1914.

2 SHEBTSSHEET 1.

R. WILHAMS.

BASE BALL GAME APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. a0. 1913.

1 1 20,579. Patented Dec. 8, 1914.

2 SHEETSSHBET 2.

nouns wrtLi'a'ms; or wrsarama, msrnrcr or COLUMBIA, As'sIGNoR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS, or ONE-HALE '10 wnuam n nunr, or WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

BASE-BALL-GAME APPARATUS.

Specifica.tion of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 8, 1914.

Application am August so, 1913. Serial No. 737,457.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that'I, Room: Wnam as, a citizen ofthe United States, residing at lVashington, in the District of Columbia, have invented certain'new and useful Improvements in Base Ball-Gam'e- Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

The invention relates to a game apparatus for, use in representing or Simulating the ame iind,

playing of. a game of base ball or other or for displaying information offany the primary object of the invention being to provide a game display apparatus which is simpie'of construction, inexpensive of production, andadapted to be-operated-by means pf a minimum number of operators and accessoriesand in an economicalmanner. H A] further object of, the invention is to provide a game display apparatus having a playing surface of a character to permit rays of light to be transmitted therethrough, and embodying for use in conjunction with such playing snrface illuminating devices representing the display matter or the players, etc.,' used in the game, which illuminating devices are adapted to be moved over the rear surface of the board to simulate the plays and to be engaged with the surface of the board, whereby they are adapted to be supported inposition. y

A still further objectof the invention is to provide a game'or display apparatus of the character defined in which the illuminators, consisting preferably of electric lamps, are adapted to be readily, easily and conveniently manipulated and caused to travel over-and be suspended from any portion of the playing surface, thus enabling the various plays in a game of'base ball to be simulated so as to give an interesting and approximately correct representation of a particular game.

With these and other objects in view, which will be better understood when the nature of the invention is more fully disclosed, the invention consists of the features of construction, combination and arrangement of parts, hereinafter fully described and claimed, reference being had to the ac companying "drawings, in which Figure 1 is a front view, of a game board of a game apparatus embodying my invention, indicating" at certain points the lights from the illuminators arranged thereon; Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken through the surface of the board, showing in side elevat pn one of the illuminators in position; Fig. 3'is a front elevation of one of the illuminators; Fig. 4 is a rear elevation of the-same; Figs. 5 and 6 are sectional views taken, respectively, on the lines 55 and 6*6 of Fig. 3; Fig. 7 is a top plan view of one of the illuminators, showing a modified construction adapted for use in conjunction with an ordinary electric supply circuit; Fig. 8 is a side elevation of the same; Fig. 9 is a rear elevation of the board, showing one of the illuminators illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8 in position thereon, and also showing the system of wiring; Fig. 10 is a detail section through the body of the lamp illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8; Fig. 11 is a sectional view illustrating a modified form of playing surface; and Fig. 12 is a View showing a slightly modified form of playing surface.

Referring to Fig. 1, 1 designates a game board, comprising a preferably rectangular frame 2 having a playing surface 3. The playing surface 3 comprises a strip of material filling the opening of the frame and having painted or otherwise depicted thereon the representation of a base ball playing field. The surface 2 is made of some suitable transparent or translucent mesh material, through which rays of light from illuminating devices may pass. In one form and adaptation of my invention, I preferably make the playing surface 3 of a body of woven material, such as burlap, of sufliciently coarse weave or mesh to permit the rays of light to shine therethrough, on which material the pictorial representation of the playing field maybe painted,printed or otherwise made. The movable elements employed to represent the players, ball and other accessories used in playing the game are of a suitable form and character adapted to be moved over the rear face of the playing surface and provided with illuminating means adapted to project rays of light which pass through the playing surface and indicate the positions of such players and accessories and the movements made by the different players and accessories in depicting or displaying a base ball game.

In Figs. 2 to 4, inclusive, I have shown one form of indicator or illuminator comprising a holder or casing 4 at the upper end of which is mounted an incandescent electric lamp 5 disposed within a suitable relOO lbattery 7 adapted to flector 6. 3 Current, inpractice, may be supplied to the lamp from an ordinary dry cell be applied and removed through the open bottom of the casing and tobe retained in position by bendable retaining lugs or projections 8 formed thereon. Electric connection between the battery and'lamp may be made in any suitable manner, but in the present instance I have shown one of the contact terminals 9 of the battery in engagement with the metallic reflector 6 which is electrically connected with one of the terminals of the lamp, whilethe other contact terminal 10 of the battery connects with a contact plate 11 suitably insulated from the casing and refiector and in contact with a pivoted switch member 12 adapted to be moved into and out of engagement with the other terminal of the lamp, whereby the circuit may be made or broken at will in a ready and convenient manner. v

The casing and reflector are preferably made of sheet metal and are provided with a front surface 13 which is straight or flat and adapted to lie or playing surface thereof, and is smooth enough to ride easily in contact with said surface, so that the illuminator may be dirigibly moved in any direction across the rear face of the playing surface to cause the light projected therefrom to travel in any direction to represent the movements of a player or ball.

For the purpose of enabling the indicator or illuminator to be supported in position at any point on the playing surface, and to enable like indicators to be used interchangeably, I provide the indicator or illuminator with means for engaging or gripping said surface. The means shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4: comprises sets or pans of claws or grip-- pers 14 arranged on opposite sides of the casing and having curved and pointed free ends 15. j The claws or grippers of each pair are preferably arranged one above the other and are movable toward and from each other and integral with bail shaped operating members or levers 16, adapted to be moved toward each other to retract the grippers and away from each other to project said grippers. The correspondingly arranged grippers at opposite sides of the casing are preferably formed with the companion lever 16 of a single piece of wire, and at the points of intersection of the grippers with the lever arm the wire is bent to provide eyes 17 which pivotally engage a transverse pin or axle extending across the back of the easing 4, whereby the grippers are movably mounted. The levers 16 are normally disposed above and below a handle or finger iece 20 at the rear of the casing. by means of which the illuminator may be conveniently handled and transported, and stop one or more closely against the fabric devices 21 of a suitable type are provided upon the casing to limit the folding or closing movements of the grippers The pointed ends of the grippers are preferably hook shaped and curved in a'direction toward each other, so that when such ends of the grippers are engaged with the fabric of the playing surface 3, the illuminator will be supported firmly in position. When the grippers are folded the illuminator may be conveniently packed in a box or casing for storage or transportation.

For the purpose of automatically projecting the grippers wire springs 22 are provided having coils engaging the pin18 and arms connected with the levers 16. By pressing the levers 16 toward each other and toward the finger piece 20, it will be understood that the grippers will be retracted so that their pointed ends 15 will lie within the plane of the contact face 13, enabling the illuminator tobe readily gripped and moved over the surface of the playing field, without liability of the casing or grippers piercing or otherwise injuring the fabric. When the illuminator is brought to a designated position on the playing field it may be instantly fixed thereto by simply releasing the levers 16, whereupon the springs 22 will project the grippers into the fabric, as shown in Fig. 2, thus. holding the illuminator in place so thatthe light will show clearly through the playing field. The sliding contact surface,13 is preferably formed by a plate secured to or constituting the front wall of the .casing and which covers the front edge of the reflector 6 and provides a surface of adequate extent to prevent the illuminator from being tilted or rocked laterally on the surface when moved quickly 'or carelessly handled, thereby obviating any liability of the retracted grippers catching in or tearing the fabric in the manipulation of the illuminator or becoming entangled with the grippers of another moving illuminator. The plate extends laterally beyond the sides of the casing to provide guards 23 for the purpose'described, which guards are formed with guide slots 24, through which the grippers are movable, the upper end walls of the slots constitutihg stops which limit the retractive movements of the grippers to an exact degree, so that the ends 15 will lie, when the grippers are retracted, just in rear of the face 13 and upon the release of the levers 16 will be instantly projected to engage the fabric on the playing surface. By making the grippers curved or hook shaped it will be evident that the grippers on engaging the fabric will draw the same into close engagement with the sliding surface and face of the reflector 6, thus insuring the projection of a sharp light through the fabric andpreventing diffusion of the light rays. It will be understood, of course,

vcntion. as circumstances may that by moving the switch member 12 out of engagement with the co-acting lamp terminal' the circuit may at any time be broken to throw the lamp out of action.

In the practical operation apparatus to illustrate the playing of a game, it is to be understood that the ball and players in action are represented by a corresponding number of illuminators of the character described or the equivalent thereof, a sufficient number of said illuminators being employed to represent the ball, the players of the sidein the field and the batter and runners of the side at bat. The ball, in practice, may be represented by a lamp showing a red light, the players in the field by lamps showing white lights and the batter and runners by lamps showing green or other colored lights. so that the ball and men'of the opposing sides may be contrastingly distinguished. The lamps representing the players in the field are placed in proper position upon the board as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 1, and the illuminators representing the ball and opposing players at bat or on the bases are also prop erly arranged in position. It will, of course, be understood that the delivery of the ball by the pitcher and return of the same by the catcher to the pitcher. as well as the movements of the batter and runners to the bases and movements of the players in the field, to indicate any play made in the game, may be shown by proper shifting of the illuminators across the back of the playing surface. In the movements of the red illuminator representing the ball delivered by the pitcher, strikes may be represented by defleeting the illuminator in its travel to one side or the other of the home plate, and strikes represented by moving the illuminator across the late, while when the ball is struck by the atsman the course of travel of the ball and the action of the fielders in making a play may be simulated and carried out in an obvious manner. When the board is properly screened or arranged in a darkened place. the transparency of the playing surface 3 is not rendered apparent. said surface appearing opaque. while the lights from the illuminators shining therethrough appear clearly so that they may be viewed from a considerable distance. enabling a board which is attractive of appearance and which gives a satisfactory and pleasing demonstration of the plays made during the course of the game to be providcd.

The construction of the illuminators, as well as of the playing surface, may be varied to a large degree within the scope of the inrequu-e or the taste or fancy of the user may dictate under different conditions. in Figs. T 8, 9 and 10 I have illustrated a modified conof using the struction of illuminator which may be adopted. The illuminator here shown is of a simplified type and comprises a frame 25 carrying the reflector 26 in which is mounted the lever 27, the mounting of the pivot pin 18 and stop pins 21 being modified to suit the construction of the frame, which in this instance also serves as a handle or finger piece. The lamp terminals in this form of the invention are shown as connecting with conducting wires 30, which may be coupled, in practice, to main conductors 31 mounted upon the frame of the board and adapted to receive current from any suitable source of supply. Any of the illuminators may thus be connected up with an electric service system whenever the use of the Wires 30 will not interfere with the movements of the illuminators, and suitable switches mav be provided upon each illuminator or for use in conjunction therewith, whereby the lamp may be at any time thrown into and out of circuit.

In Fig. 11 I have shown a playing surface consisting of a wire screen 32 in front or rear of which may be arranged a body or layer 33 of any suitable cloth fabric. The screen 32 may be of any proper mesh suitable for the purpose and is designed to be engaged by the grippers to support the lamp in position, so that the direct weight thereof will be removed from the fabric, allowing very thin fabric to be employed.

In Fig. 12 I have shown a playing surface 36 of any of the materials specified, having thereon a peg or projection 37 with which the grippers of an illuminator may be engaged to support the illuminator in place.

It will be evident from the foregoing description of my invention that the same provides a game board or apparatus of the character set forth which is extremely simple of construction, and inexpensive of production and operation, but which in the hands of properly instructed operators may be used to give a pleasing and satisfactory demonstration of any certain game of base ball, the course of the ball and movements of the players in action being represented'in such manner that all of the plays may be readily understood.

\Vhile I have shown the invention in the forms now considered preferable, it will, of course. be understood that modifications of the character disclosed and. others falling within the terms of the appended claims may he made without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention. Also it will be understood that the invention is not restricted to game apparatus, but may be employed for displaying auy kind of display matter.

The use of a fabric of the character dctined is desirable in the production of a or display appaplaying surface for a game ratus of the character set forth, for the reason that such a fabric is comparatively inexpensive, possesses a sufiicient degree of translucency, and may be employed in connection with illuminators of a simple type, so that an'attractive and eflicient apparatus may be made and sold at a price within the reach of those unable to afiord expensive appliances. In order to enable illuminators to be used in connection with such a fabric, however, it is necessary to employ a gripping mechanism to hold the same upon the fabric, and the construction of the illuminator and grippers must be such as to insure instant engagement of the grippers with the fabric when the illuminator is brought to the point where it is to be fixed, while at the same time enabling the illuminator, when released, to 'be'moved easily in all directions over the surface of the fabric for indicating actions without tearing the fabric, even when the illuminator is carelessly or hastily operated. The construction must also be such that the illuminator, when fixed, will lie close to the fabric so that the light rays will .be sharply transmitted, otherwise, an imperfect an unsatisfactory indicating projection of the light will result. .My invention provides an illuminator which meets these various conditions, and'which is thus adapted for use in conjunction with such a fabric in the most effective manner.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

. 1. In a scoreboard, a translucent fabric surface having an arena depicted thereon, and one or more illuminators adapted for sliding motion over said surface and for the projection of lighttherethrough, said illuminators being providedwith means for gripping said surface for a supporting action thereon, said gripping means being movable to a non-gripping positionto permit free sliding motion of the illuminator over said surface.

a 2. In a scoreboard, a translucent surface of mesh, fabric having an arena depicted thereon, and one or more illuminators for cooperation with said surface, each of said illuminators having a bearing surface for sliding engagement with said surface, a reflector lying in the plane of the said bearing surface, a lamp within the reflector, and

grippers adapted for retraction within the plane of said bearing surface and for projection beyond said surface for engagement with the fabric and operating when engaged therewith to hold the bearing surface and reflector of the illuminator in close engagement with the fabric.

3. In a scoreboard, a translucent fabric surface having an arena depicted thereon, and an illuminator constructed for sliding contact with said surface to project a light provided with hook therethrough, and

shaped grippers to pierce said surface for attaching and drawing said illuminator thereto, said grippers being adapted for retraction within the plane of the sliding contact portion, to permit free sliding movement of the illuminator over said fabric.

l. In a scoreboard, a translucent fabric surface having an arena depicted thereon, and an illuminator constructed for sliding contact with said surface to project a light therethrough, said illuminator being provided with manually retractable, automatically projectable grippers to engage the meshes of said fabric, and adapted when retracted to lie within the plane of thesliding contact portion to permit free sliding movement of the illuminator over sai fabric surface.

5; In a scoreboard, a translucent fabric surface having an arena depicted thereon, an illuminator having a bearing surface for slidable engagement with the fabric, and spring-actuated, hook-shaped grippers carried by said illuminator to pierce said fabric and adapted to be projected and retracted respectively in front and rear of the plane of said bearing surface.

6. In a scoreboard, a translucent fabric surface having an arena depicted thereon, an illuminator having a bearing surface for sliding movement over said fabric, and pivotally mounted, manually retractable, automatically projectable grippers carried by said illuminator for engagement with the fabric and adapted to be disposed when retracted within the plane of said bearing surface. 7

7 In a scoreboard, a translucent fabric surface having an arena depicted thereon, an illuminator having a bearing surface for slidable engagement with the fabric, and spring projected grippers upon the illuminator to engage the fabric, said grippers being adapted for manual retraction to an inactive position within the plane of said bearing surface.

8. In a scoreboard, a translucentfabrici surface havlng an arena depicted thereon,

an illuminator having a bearingsurface for sliding movement over the fabric, grippers upon the illuminator for engagement With the fabric to support said illuminator in position, said grippers being movable to an inactive position within the plane of said bearing surface, and means common to said grippers for simultaneously throwing the same into action. 9. In a scoreboard, a translucent fabric surface having an arena depicted thereon, an illuminator having a bearing surface for sliding movement over said fabric, pivotally mounted grippers on said illuminator hav'ng finger pieces for manual retraction. within the plane of said bearing surface and. adapted when projected to grip the fabric,

guides upon the illuminator for said grippers, and spring means for automatically throwing said grippers into action when released.

10. In a scoreboard, a translucent fabric surface having an arena depicted thereon, an illuminator having a bearing surface for sliding movement over the fabric, grippers carried by the, illuminator to engage the fabric, said grippers being provided with finger pieces, whereby they ma be retracted so as to lie within the plane 0 said bearing surface, and means for throwing the grippers into action vupon the release of said finger pieces.

11. In a scoreboard, a translucent fabric surface having an arena depicted thereon, in combination with an illuminator having a bearing surface for sliding movement over the fabric, a reflector lying within the plane of said bearing surface, a lamp within said reflector, pivotally mounted, spring-actuated hook-shaped grippers to engage the fabric,

and means for retracting said grippers so as to lie within the plane of said bearing surfacer 12, In a scoreboard, a translucent fabric surface having an arena depicted thereon, and an illuminator constructed for sliding movement over said surface, said illuminator being provided with pivoted springactuated grippers to engage said surface, finger pieces for retracting the grippers so as to permit free sliding movement of the illuminator over said surface, and guards upon the illuminatoi' having guide slots for the movement of the grippers therethrough, the end walls of said slotsserving as. stops to arrest the grippers when moved to a fully retracted position.

In testimon whereof I aflix my signature in presence 0 two witnesses.

- ROGER WILLIAMS. Witnesses:

Fb'A W. SPRINGER, BENNE'I'I S. JoNEs.

l Li 

